1774day.year
American Revolution: The Continental Association, a nonconsumption and nonimportation agreement against the British Isles and the British West Indies, is adopted by the First Continental Congress.
In 1774, the First Continental Congress adopted the Continental Association, enforcing a boycott of British goods in protest of imperial policies.
Facing punitive measures from the British Crown, representatives from twelve colonies met in Philadelphia at the First Continental Congress. On October 20, they approved the Continental Association, pledging to halt imports and consumption of British goods. The agreement sought to pressure Britain into rescinding the Intolerable Acts without resorting to armed conflict. Committees formed in each colony to enforce the boycott, demonstrating unprecedented colonial unity. This economic strategy laid the groundwork for the eventual Declaration of Independence and the outbreak of the American Revolution.
1774
American Revolution
Continental Association
nonconsumption
British Isles
British West Indies
First Continental Congress
1781day.year
The Patent of Toleration, providing limited freedom of worship, is approved in Austria.
In 1781, Emperor Joseph II approved the Patent of Toleration, granting limited religious freedom to non-Catholic Christians in Austria.
Emperor Joseph II of Austria enacted the Patent of Toleration to ease restrictions on Protestant and Orthodox Christians within his realm. The decree allowed these groups to practice their faith privately and granted them civil rights such as property ownership and marriage recognition. While full equality was not achieved, the patent represented a significant step toward religious pluralism in the Habsburg Empire. It reflected Enlightenment ideals and Joseph II’s broader program of administrative and social reforms. The measure helped reduce sectarian tensions and set a precedent for later freedoms.
1781
Patent of Toleration
1803day.year
The United States Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase.
In 1803, the U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States.
President Thomas Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase with France, acquiring territory west of the Mississippi River for $15 million. On October 20, 1803, the U.S. Senate gave its approval, officially incorporating the vast expanse into American territory. This landmark deal doubled the nation’s size and opened the way for westward expansion. It also raised constitutional questions about federal authority to acquire new land. The purchase paved the way for the Lewis and Clark Expedition and significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of North America.
1803
Louisiana Purchase
1818day.year
The Convention of 1818 is signed between the United States and the United Kingdom, which settles the Canada–United States border on the 49th parallel for most of its length.
In 1818, the U.S. and U.K. signed the Convention of 1818, setting the Canada–United States border along the 49th parallel.
Following the War of 1812, the United States and Great Britain sought to resolve lingering territorial disputes. The Convention of 1818 established the boundary between U.S. and British North America along the 49th parallel from the Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains. The agreement also allowed for joint fishing rights off Newfoundland and provided terms for the Oregon Country's future settlement. Signed on October 20, 1818, it ushered in a period of peaceful relations and clear demarcation of continental borders. The treaty remains a foundational document in U.S.-Canadian diplomatic history.
1818
The Convention of 1818
Canada–United States border
49th parallel
1883day.year
Peru and Chile sign the Treaty of Ancón, by which the Tarapacá province is ceded to the latter, bringing an end to Peru's involvement in the War of the Pacific.
In 1883, Peru and Chile signed the Treaty of Ancón, ending Peru’s role in the War of the Pacific by ceding Tarapacá Province to Chile.
The Treaty of Ancón formally concluded hostilities between Peru and Chile on October 20, 1883, following years of conflict over mineral-rich territories. Under its terms, Peru ceded the Tarapacá region to Chile, reshaping political and economic balances in South America. The agreement also established a ten-year plebiscite for Tacna and Arica, although final resolutions were delayed until the 20th century. The treaty left a lasting legacy on Peruvian national identity and bilateral relations. It highlighted the strategic importance of nitrate resources in the Atacama Desert.
1883
Treaty of Ancón
1904day.year
Chile and Bolivia sign the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, delimiting the border between the two countries.
In 1904, Chile and Bolivia signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, formally delineating their shared border after the War of the Pacific.
After two decades of diplomatic negotiations, Chile and Bolivia signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship on October 20, 1904. The accord confirmed Bolivia’s landlocked status following its defeat in the War of the Pacific and established clear territorial boundaries. It granted Bolivia commercial transit rights through Chilean ports, aiming to ease economic hardships. The treaty remains central to Chile–Bolivia relations and continues to influence discussions about access to the Pacific. Its terms underscore the long-term impact of 19th-century conflicts on modern geopolitics.
1904
Treaty of Peace and Friendship
1947day.year
Cold War: The House Un-American Activities Committee begins its investigation into Communist infiltration of the Hollywood film industry, resulting in a blacklist that prevents some from working in the industry for years.
The House Un-American Activities Committee launches its probe into alleged Communist influences in Hollywood, sparking a career-ending blacklist.
On October 20, 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee convened its first hearings to investigate alleged Communist infiltration within the Hollywood film industry. Publishers, directors, actors, and screenwriters were called to testify about their political affiliations and those of their colleagues. Witnesses who refused to cooperate or name names were blacklisted, effectively barring many from earning a living in film and television for years. The hearings sparked national debate over free speech, civil liberties, and the reach of congressional power. Hollywood studios complied by enforcing loyalty oaths and dismissing suspect employees. The blacklist era left a lasting impact on American culture and the careers of countless creative professionals.
1947
Cold War
House Un-American Activities Committee
Hollywood film industry
a blacklist
1952day.year
The Governor of Kenya Evelyn Baring declares a state of emergency and begins arresting hundreds of suspected leaders of the Mau Mau Uprising.
Kenya's colonial governor declares a state of emergency to suppress the Mau Mau uprising, leading to mass arrests.
On October 20, 1952, Evelyn Baring, Governor of Kenya, declared a state of emergency in response to the escalating Mau Mau Uprising. British colonial authorities began rounding up hundreds of suspected Mau Mau leaders and sympathizers. The measure granted sweeping powers for detention without trial, censorship, and forced relocations. Villages were cordoned off, and suspects were sent to detention camps under harsh conditions. The crackdown intensified the conflict and led to widespread human rights abuses. The state of emergency remained in effect until 1960, shaping the path to Kenya's eventual independence.
1952
Evelyn Baring
Mau Mau Uprising
1973day.year
Watergate scandal: "Saturday Night Massacre": United States President Richard Nixon fires U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus after they refuse to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox, who is finally fired by Solicitor General Robert Bork.
President Nixon orders the dismissal of top Justice Department officials in the 'Saturday Night Massacre' during the Watergate scandal.
On the night of October 20, 1973, President Richard Nixon demanded the firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox.
Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus resigned rather than comply, citing principle.
Solicitor General Robert Bork ultimately dismissed Cox, deepening public outrage over presidential overreach.
The dramatic series of dismissals, dubbed the 'Saturday Night Massacre', intensified calls for Nixon's impeachment.
Media coverage and congressional hearings ramped up, exposing the White House's involvement in the Watergate cover-up.
Within months, public support for Nixon eroded, leading to his resignation in August 1974.
1973
Watergate scandal
Saturday Night Massacre
Richard Nixon
Elliot Richardson
William Ruckelshaus
Archibald Cox
Robert Bork
2005day.year
The general conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) passes the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
UNESCO adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2005.
On October 20, 2005, the UNESCO General Conference passed the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. This international agreement aimed to safeguard cultural diversity in the face of globalization and commercial pressures. It acknowledged the rights of artists and cultural professionals to thrive in diverse cultural environments. Member states committed to supporting cultural industries and ensuring equitable access to cultural goods. The convention also established a framework for international cooperation and policy development.
2005
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
2022day.year
Liz Truss steps down as British Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party amid the country's political crisis, serving for the least time of any British Prime Minister [49 days].
Liz Truss resigned as British Prime Minister after 49 days, the shortest tenure in UK history.
On October 20, 2022, British Prime Minister Liz Truss announced her resignation amid mounting political and economic turmoil. Truss became the leader of the Conservative Party just 49 days earlier, marking the shortest premiership in British history. Her brief tenure was overshadowed by market instability following controversial fiscal policies. Facing intense internal party pressure and public criticism, she stepped down to avoid a leadership challenge. Her resignation prompted a swift contest for the Conservative leadership and raised questions about the future direction of UK governance.
2022
Liz Truss
British Prime Minister
Conservative Party